Oak Ridge, TN Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Oak Ridge, TN: What You Need to Know

Oak Ridge is known as the Secret City. The U.S. government established it under a cloak of secrecy to develop the atomic bomb during World War II. The city lies in a valley between the Cumberland and Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee.

Local History

In 1942, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bought 59,000 acres of land along the Clinch River to establish a production site for the Manhattan Project, the American-led effort to develop the first atomic bombs to end World War II. The area was chosen for its remote, landlocked location. The town was originally called Site X or Clinton Engineer Works, but it was renamed Oak Ridge. Jobs created by the project attracted thousands of families in a short period. Oak Ridge was protected by guarded gates, and workers were sworn to secrecy. Few locals knew the site was developing atomic bombs until the U.S. attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Oak Ridge was incorporated as a city in 1959.

Job Opportunities

Oak Ridge is located in southern Anderson County and extending into eastern Roane County. The city offers easy access to Knoxville, 22 miles away. The U.S. government continues to be the driver of the local economy. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a multiprogram science and technology company under the U.S. Department of Energy, is the city’s largest employer. Other key employers include Security Consultants Group (a Department of Homeland Security contractor), Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, Navarro Research and Engineering, and Bechtel Jacobs Co. (a Department of Energy contractor).

Is Oak Ridge, TN, Budget-Friendly?

Yes. The city’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 10.7%, 17.4%, and 20.6% lower than the national average respectively. Median gross rent is $806. Tennessee doesn’t levy income tax on salaries, but it charges a 2% rate on income from interest and dividends. The state collects 7% to 9.75% in sales tax.

Where Can You Go Shopping in Oak Ridge, TN?

Jackson Square is the premier shopping destination in Oak Ridge. It lies at the center of the historic district. You’ll find an array of unique shops and restaurants at the square. If you’re looking for a traditional mall, head over to Main Street in Oak Ridge. The outdoor shopping center features a dozen national and regional stores.

How Big is Oak Ridge, TN?

Oak Ridge has a population of 29,156 and a land area of 85.25 square miles. The city has 16 parks, 12 greenways, two swimming pools (one indoor and one outdoor), and two disc-golf courses. Melton Hill Lake offers 173 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, and rowing.